LED Lighting as an Alternative to Fluorecent Tubes in the Office

Energy efficiency has become the norm of the day in the workplace as much as at home. People are increasingly turning to green energy generating devices, incorporating natural ventilation systems and lighting in their offices, and making sure they use efficient appliances that consume the minimum power.

When fluorescent tubes were launched they quickly replaced incandescent bulbs in the work place. But today, companies are switching over to LED lighting for increased efficiency and brighter lighting arrangements.

LED lights Last Longer

Compact fluorescent lights can provide you with a gradually deteriorating functionality for 5,000 hours. Fluorescent tubes might last for 10,000 hours but LED lights can function for more than 100,000 hours providing you 100% efficiency. This translates into 11 years of continuous efficient service.

LED lights are Compact

As opposed to one single huge bulb available in both the incandescent lamps and CFL, LED lights are tiny point sized light sources arranged in an array. They take up much less space than traditional fluorescent tube fittings, can be directional and maintain their light output until they die, ten years down the line.

LED Lights Are More Efficient

Lumens are units to measure brightness. When you compare incandescent lamps to LEDs, you have a difference of several hundred lumen intensities. Similarly, there are difference between CFL and LEDs, though not as sharp as those between incandescent lamps and LEDs. You can definitely notice the difference in the brightness levels once you opt for LEDs as opposed to fluorescent lamps in your room.

LEDs Are Easily Cleaned

Diffusers and reflectors used on fluorescent lights gather dust, dead flies and spiders, creating another cleaning and maintenance task. Surface mounted LED GU10 bulbs can just be dusted down with a long handled duster when necessary.

No Heat Produced

LEDs do not produce a lot of heat as they operate, with the maximum being 2-3 BTU per hour. Even CFLs produce a lot of heat less than incandescent lamps in this regard, but still a significant 85 BTUs an hour. There is less temperature build up in the room, which reduces the need for cooling systems during the summers.

LEDs Are Mercury Free

Since LEDs function as light emitting diodes, the brightness depends on the electric circuit that is used in the device, which contains no mercury at all. You therefore, do not have to worry about you and your staff being exposed to toxic mercury if a bulb or fluorescent tube breaks.

Colour Options

Warm white approximates to the colour of a CFL or halogen bulb. Daylight or bright white LED bulbs have a slight blue tinge, which is often described as cold. You could use bright white LED bulbs in corridors and bathrooms and warm white ones in your offices.

The Future Office

Though LEDs have a lot of advantages to them, you can still look beyond this technology, and maximise your use of natural lighting and ventilation. If you are at the design stage then hire an architect and ask him to design a light-efficient building that allows you to tap as much natural light as possible.

With natural air and lighting, not only are you saved a lot of electrical utility expenses, but your staff will gain the health benefits of sunlight, have a more positive attitude to their work and be more healthy.